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1875  1925 

AUGUST  TENTH 

FTIETH 

FREE  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

or 

DECATUR  ILLINOIS 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


http://www.archive.org/details/fiftiethanniversOOdeca 


BY  A  FRIEND 


MRS.   ALICE  GLORE   EVANS 


FOR    FIFTY    VKAIIS    WITH    THK    PUBLIC    LIBRARY    AS    ASSISTANT 
AND    LIBRARIAN 


"The  Leader  of  the  Deed  Was 
a  Woman" 

In  an  age  that  demands  standardization , 
the  romance  of  things  often  is  in  their  be- 
ginnings. 

Decatur  still  preserves  the  story  of  hoiv 
its  honored  Mrs.  Jane  M.  Johns  appeared  on 
a  rainy  night  at  the  home  of  Mayor  Meri- 
weather,  begging  that  he  accompany  her  at 
once  in  her  carriage  to  the  council  chamber. 

The  Mayor  arrived  in  time  to  break  a  tie 
in  the  board  of  aldermen.  His  vote  made 
possible  the  Free  Public  Library.  The  date 
was  August  3,  1875.  On  August  10  the  Li- 
brary was  organized. 


V9 


Progenitors 

W70MEN  of  Decatur  had  demonstrated  their  leadership 
™  before  this.  In  1867  a  little  group,  inspired  by  the  same 
Mrs.  Johns,  had  organized  the  Ladies'  Library  association, 
supported  out  of  membership  dues,  lecture  courses,  and 
oyster  suppers.  It  brought  to  Decatur  for  the  first  time 
Mark  Twain,  Wendell  Phillips,  John  G.  Saxe,  Blind  Tom  and 
Susan  B.  Anthony.  Its  life  was  a 
struggle.  The  courage  and  faith  of 
Mrs.  A.  A.  Powers,  one  of  the  noblest 
of  Decatur's  pioneer  women,  and  her 
associates  on  the  board  kept  it  going. 

One  year  the  men  agreed  to  pro- 
vide the  means,  and  came  up  to  the 
end  with  a  deficit  of  $312.  It  was 
almost  a  death  blow.  A  play  given 
by  the  Winter  Evening  club,  a  group 
of  amateurs,  saved  it. 

Seven  years  after  the  Ladies'  Li- 
brary association  was  organized  the 
Reading  Room  association  was 
formed  with  the  idea  of  supplying  a 
place  where  the  young  people  partic- 
ularly, could  pass  their  evenings  with 
good  periodical  literature.  Mrs. 
Johns  raised  $720  in  a  day's  time.  E.  A.  Gastman  was  its 
first  president. 

The  combined  assets  of  the  two  associations  became  the 
property  of  the  Free  Public  Library,  when  it  was  organized 
under  the  laws  of  Illinois. 

The  first  board  contained  names  of  men  and  women  who 
have  been  among  the  history  makers  of  Decatur :  Joseph 
Mills,  president,  J.  L.  Peake,  William  A.  Barnes,  W.  H. 
Ennis,  W.  W.  Foster,  W.  L.  Hammer,  Mrs.  S.  F.  Greer,  Mrs. 
B.  F.  Sibley,  and  Mrs.  C.  A.  Ewing.  It  was  provided  that 
a  third  of  the  board  should  always  be  women. 


(/' 


MRS.   ALMIRA  A.  POWERS 


50481 


The  Man  for  the  Job 


There  was  only  one  thought  in  the  minds  of  the  board 
regarding  librarian. 

Richard  L.  Evans,  a  graduate  of  Asbury  University,  now 
De  Pauw,  had  served  in  the  navy  during  the  Civil  war,  had 
traveled  extensively,  and  was  well  read.  He  had  married 
Miss  Alice  Glore  of  Decatur.     His  fondness  for  books  and 

knowledge  of  literature,  combined 
with  his  likable  qualities,  made  him 
the  choice  of  the  trustees. 

With  a  little  more  than  1600 
books,  a  few  monthly  magazines,  a 
weekly  or  two,  and  several  daily 
papers,  Mr.  Evans  started  in  the 
rooms  in  the  Schroeder  building  in 
Prairie  street. 

From  a  circulation  and  use  stand- 
point   the    Library    was    a    success. 
Those  early  reports  of  half  a  century 
ago,    written    in    Mr.    Evans'    clear 
hand,    the    ink    still    unfaded,    are 
studies   in   enthusiasm.     "And   the 
famous   Boston   public   library,"   an- 
nounced Mr.  Evans  to  his  board  in 
making  some  comparisons,  "with  236,777  volumes,  124  times 
greater  than  this  library,  issues  daily  less  than  ten  times 
as  many  (books)." 

There  were  no  library  schools  in  those  days;  library 
science  was  unknown,  but  there  were  great  librarians. 
Richard  Evans  was  one.  Many  a  man  and  woman,  now  in 
the  sunset  of  life,  will  testify  to  the  inspiration  given  him 
by  "Uncle  Dick"  as  he  was  known  to  the  boys  and  girls. 

If  his  quarters  were  cramped,  it  brought  him  closer  to 
the  public  that  he  served.  "In  my  daily  association  with 
the  numerous  patrons  of  the  Library,"  he  writes,  "it  has 
ever  been  my  custom  to  cater  to  the  good  taste  of  the  public 


RICHARD   L.   EVANS 


as  far  as  I  may  by  suggesting  books  that  will  benefit,  as 
well  as  inti  rest  the  reader.  To  this  end  I  always  make  it  a 
point  to  persuade  the  young,  when  I  can,  to  read  something 
better  and  more  useful  than  novels,  such  as  travels,  biog- 
raphy, history,  etc.,  and  the  changes  in  taste  thus  brought 
about  by  a  kindly  word  and  a  timely  hint  are  often  quite 
remarkable." 

Remarkable  enough,  unquestionably,  in  view  of  what 
the  librarian  had  to  offer.  By  his  own  admission  his  pupils 
had  to  take  "extraordinary  literary  leaps"  at  times  when 
the  books  they  wanted  and  needed  were  not  to  be  obtained 
from  the  scanty  supply. 

The  Library,  indeed,  had  exceptional  circulation  from 
the  start.  Decatur  people  were  book  hungry,  and  they  could 
get  books  by  merely  signing  a  card.  Borrowers  leaped  from 
1,524  in  the  first  year  to  2,100  in  the  second,  and  at  the  end 
of  the  second  year  Mr.  Evans  was  able  to  report  55,153 
visitors  registered  although  many  had  come  and  gone  with- 
out giving  their  names. 

Because  of  its  effect  upon  the  subsequent  history  of  the 
Library  there  is  a  passage  from  Mr.  Evans'  first  report 
that  should  be  quoted:  'The  labor  devolving  upon  me,  as 
librarian,  which  in  the  beginning  was  quite  sufficient  to 
employ  my  whole  time,  has  been  for  months  beyond  my 
strength.  Indeed  since  the  first  week  of  the  opening  I  have 
been  obliged  to  have  my  wife's  assistance  every  evening, 
and  for  upwards  of  four  months  she  has  aided  me,  both 
afternoons  and  night,  in  supplying  the  people  with  books." 

Mrs.  Evans  accordingly  was  made  assistant  librarian. 

After  six  years  of  service  Mr.  Evans  died  Nov.  17,  1881. 
Mrs.  Evans  was  chosen  as  his  successor. 

The  Library's  Golden  Jubilee  marks  the  50th  year  of 
this  woman's  faithful  service. 


A  Book  Fund  and  a  Fire 


In  some  of  the  older  books  one  finds  even  now  a  plate 
with  the  legend:  "Presented  by  the  Public  Library  Book 
Fund." 

The  meager  appropriation  barely  sufficed  to  meet  run- 
ring  expenses.  More  books  were  vitally  needed.  Again 
the  indefatigable  Mrs.  Johns  was  called  upon.  In  her  judg- 
ment nothing  less  than  $3,000 
was  worth  striving  for.  She 
offered  to  try  to  raise  this  sum 
if  she  could  have  the  assistance 
of  Mrs.  R.  L.  Walston.  In  the 
face  of  predictions  that  six 
months  would  be  required  for 
the  task,  the  two  women  started 
out. 

Public  spirit  in  Decatur  is 
not  a  recent  development.  Some 
of  the  men  of  the  '70's  gave 
amounts  that  would  be  credit- 
able to  men  of  today.  The  result 
was  that  in  six  weeks'  time  the 
whole  of  the  $3,000  had  been 
subscribed.  A  committee  headed 
by  E.  A.  Gastman  was  named  to  select  the  books.  The 
additions  gave  the  library  a  new  prestige  and  value. 

By  this  time  the  rooms  in  the  Schroeder  building  had 
been  outgrown.  On  Oct.  5,  1881,  the  Library  made  the  first 
of  its  series  of  moves,  going  to  the  old  Orlando  Powers 
building  at  Water  and  East  Main  streets,  and  occupying 
rooms  on  the  second  floor.  This  remained  its  home  for 
eight  years. 

Having  completed  their  building  at  Main  and  William 
streets,  the  late  T.  T.  Roberts  and  O.  Z.  Greene  were  so 
anxious  to  have  the  Library  as  a  tenant  that  they  offered 
rooms  on  the  second  floor  rent  free.  The  move  was  made 
in  1889.     The  building  became  known  henceforth  as  the 


MRS.   JANE   M.  JOHNS 


Library  Block,  by  which  it  is  still  known  to  older  residents. 

"The  Library  Block  is  on  fire"  was  the  word  that  went 
over  the  city  on  the  night  of  Feb.  21,  1892.  Starting  in  a 
bakery  on  the  east  end  of  the  building,  the  flames  crept 
toward  the  Main  street  side.  A  fire  wall  was  supposed  to 
give  protection  to  the  Library,  but  the  fire  followed  the 
roof.  Under  the  direction  of  the  librarian,  who  had  been 
hastily  summoned,  volunteers 
carried  out  5,000  books.  Time 
did  not  permit  of  the  removal  of 
the  furniture.  Some  rare  loaned 
volumes  and  the  records  of  the 
Ladies'  Library  association  were 
overlooked. 

When  morning  dawned  the 
Library  Block  was  in  ruins.  A 
heap  of  5,000  books  piled  in  the  library  block  fire 

Herald-Despatch  and  Starr 

buildings  represented  all  that  remained  of  the  Public  Li- 
brary. The  board  held  two  meetings  that  day.  The  old 
First  Presbyterian  church  where  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  now  stands 
was  vacant  and  available.  Here  the  books  were  taken  and 
arranged  by  Mrs.  Evans  and  her  assistant,  Miss  Alice  Tyler, 
now  head  of  the  Library  School  of  the  Western  Reserve 
University.  Insurance  amply  covered  the  loss  of  books  and 
fixtures.  Soon  the  Library  was  in  business  again.  By 
October  the  restored  Library  Block  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy, and  here  the  Library  remained  until  it  was  removed 
to  the  fifth  floor  of  the  newr  Powers  building  in  1897. 

It  was  a  notable  event  in  the  library  history  when  Miss 
Dill  returned  from  a  year  in  the  Pratt  Institute  Library 
School  and  reorganized  the  Library.  The  Dewey  decimal 
system  of  classification  was  adopted,  and  the  printed  finding 
list  gave  way  to  the  dictionary  card  catalog.  At  the  same 
time  the  Newark  charging  system  was  adopted.  This  work 
modernized  the  Library.  The  public  quickly  appreciated 
the  changes  and  adapted  itself  to  them.  Quick  ordering  of 
popular  and  significant  books  with  their  early  accession  has 
since  been  a  cardinal  principle. 


A  Gift  from  Carnegie 

The  rooms  in  the  fifth  floor  of  the  Powers  building, 
made  easily  available  by  elevator,  were  the  most  convenient 
and  spacious  that  the  library  had  known  up  to  that  time. 
But  already  the  board  was  beginning  to  talk  about  a  build- 
ing of  its  own. 

In  its  25th  report  to  the  city  council  the  board  speaks 
of  a  need  of  a  library  building,  for  by  1900  the  Library  had 
18,338  books  and  more  than  96,000  circulation.  Special 
accommodations  for  children  were  vitally  needed. 

About  this  time  an  old  iron  founder,  his  vaults  laden 
with  United  States  Steel  Corporation  first  mortgage  bonds, 
conceived  the  idea,  never  realized,  of  dying  poor. 

"I  think,"  said  the  late  C.  M.  Hurst  on  the  return  from 
one  of  his  visits  in  the  East  where  he  had  met  James  Bert- 
ram, "that  Andrew  Carnegie  could  be  persuaded  to  give 
Decatur  a  library  building."  Mr.  Hurst,  as  many  will  re- 
member, had  a  genius  for  seeing  possibilities. 

The  library  board  agreed  with  Mr.  Hurst.  Mayor 
George  E.  Stadler,  Mr.  Hurst  and  Mrs.  Evans  were  sent 
to  New  York  in  January,  1901.  Mr.  Stadler  was  the  only 
one  of  the  three  to  see  Secretary  Bertram,  who  represented 
Mr.  Carnegie  in  negotiations  for  libraries. 

The  generous  support  of  the  library  by  the  council,  and 
its  increasing  patronage  and  usefulness  were  pointed  out 
by  Mr.  Stadler. 

Mr.  Bertram  did  not  commit  himself,  but  gave  encour- 
agement. The  committee  returned,  and  Decatur  waited. 
but  not  for  long.  On  Feb.  8  Mayor  Stadler  received  a  letter 
announcing  that  Mr.  Carnegie  would  give  $60,000  for  a 
library  building. 


A  Controversy  on  Site 

Decatur  immediately  plunged  into  a  controversy  as  to 
a  site.  It  raged  long  and  sometimes  bitterly  in  the  news- 
papers. Advocates  of  this  location  and  that  were  not  wholly 
disinterested.  Sectionalism  was  rampant.  Many  wanted 
the  building  to  stand  in  Central  park.  Other  sites  were 
suggested. 

When  Orlando  Powers  offered  the  southwest  corner  of 
Wood  and  Water  streets  as  a  gift,  some  chose  to  regard 
the  matter  as  settled.  The  library  board,  however,  selected 
the  Bartholomew  property  owned  by  the  heirs  of  Mrs.  A. 
A.  Powers  at  North  Main  and  Eldorado  streets.  A  lot  190 
by  190  assured  setting,  and  the  opportunity  to  expand. 
Its  cost  was  $15,000.  Hurriedly  secured  legislation  settled 
all  questions  of  the  legality  of  the  city  giving  assistance  in 
the  purchase. 

First  bids  on  the  building  according  to  plans  submitted 
by  Mauran,  Russell  &  Garden  of  St.  Louis  were  all  more 
than  $60,000.  But  rather  than  have  the  beauty  and  con- 
venience of  the  library  marred  the  city  agreed  to  be  re- 
sponsible for  the  difference  between  Mr.  Carnegie's  gift  and 
the  contract  price.  In  another  letting  Jobst  &  Son  of 
Peoria  were  the  successful  bidders. 

Mrs.  Evans  turned  the  first  shovelful  of  earth  with 
ceremony  March  27,  1902.  On  July  2  of  the  following  year 
the  new  building  was  thrown  open  to  the  public. 

Brick  had  been  first  suggested  as  building  material, 
but  the  board  having  in  mind  architectural  ornament  as 
well  as  utility  chose  Bedford  stone.  Interior  finish  was  in 
oak.  The  building  was  excellently  built,  as  the  small  cost  of 
repairs  necessitated  in  the  last  20  years  testifies. 

Had  more  money  been  available  the  book  space  would 
have  been  made  larger,  but  in  all  other  respects  the  build- 
ing has  answered  its  purpose  admirably. 


Ill  the  New  and  Spacious  Home 

In  its  new  home  the  Library  had  something  more  than 
21,000  books  and  more  space  than  it  could  utilize.  In  fact 
the  whole  of  the  second  floor  was  to  remain  for  ten  years 
unoccupied,  save  as  it  was  loaned  to  organizations.  Cir- 
culation for  the  preceding  year  had  been  85,000.  The  staff 
consisted  of  Mrs.  Evans  and  five  assistants,  Miss  Minnie 
Dill,  Miss  Mabel  Wayne,  Miss  Charlotte  Hawes,  Miss  Mary 
Harry,  and  Miss  Clara  Abel. 

The  board  was  headed  by  W.  J.  Quinlan,  associated 
with  whom  were  Mrs.  Ira  N.  Barnes,  secretary,  E.  P.  Vail, 
R.  R.  Montgomery,  O.  B.  Gorin,  Patrick  Hunt,  Frank 
Shlaudeman,  Mrs.  B.  O.  McReynolds,  and  Mrs.  J.  E.  King. 

From  the  first  the  shelves,  which  heretofore  had  been 
closed  to  the  public,  were  thrown  open  to  all.  The  largest 
freedom  was  tolerated.  The  Library  never  has  had  to  check 
conversation  or  obstruct  the  vision  of  its  patrons  with 
"silence"  signs. 

Growth  was  to  have  been  expected.  Four  years  after 
the  opening  a  second  floor  of  shelving  was  added  to  the 
stacks. 

Children  had  been  served  in  their  own  room  in  the  south- 
east corner  of  the  building,  but  the  growth  of  the  juvenile 
collection  and  patronage,  together  with  the  necessity  for 
more  study  and  reference  work  space,  caused  the  children's 
department  to  be  transferred  in  1914  to  the  second  floor, 
where  it  occupies  a  large,  sunny,  well-lighted  room,  for- 
merly used  for  exhibitions.  Four  years  later  the  cataloging 
department  followed  it. 

In  1921  Miss  Jane  Hamand  of  Schaller,  Iowa,  well  known 
to  many  old  Decatur  residents,  gave  to  the  library  her  col- 
lection of  Lincolniana,  which  has  filled  its  allotted  space 
and  overflowed  into  the  hall.  No  price  could  be  put  upon 
this  collection,  or  on  the  Kirkham  grammar,  studied  by 
Abraham  Lincoln  and  Ann  Rutledge,  for  which  it  is  the 
repository.  The  collection  gives  the  Decatur  Library  a 
distinction  not  possessed  by  many  of  its  size. 


Going  Out  to  the  People 

Decatur's  growth  was  reflected  in  the  circulation  of 
books,  each  year  showing  an  increase.  It  was  not  enough 
that  the  Library  should  be  available  to  every  person  of  read- 
ing age  that  wished  to  come  to  its  doors.  It  began  the  policy 
of  going  out  to  the  people,  first  through  the  school  libraries, 
established  first  in  the  Durfee  school  in  1908,  and  extended 
until  10  schools  were  provided 
for. 

A  branch  library  followed 
logically.  It  occupied  the  new 
addition  to  the  Durfee  school  in 
1916,  and  in  the  same  year  an 
east  side  deposit  station  was 
opened.  Book  collections  were 
sent  out  to  factories. 

The  Library's  second  build- 

J  .  ALICE  G.  EVANS  BRANCH   LIBRARY 

ing  enterprise  was  completed  in 

1922  when  there  was  dedicated  and  opened  to  the  public  the 
handsome  little  brick  building,  comprising  a  part  of  a  minor 
civic  center  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  city.  It  was  named 
the  Alice  G.  Evans  branch.  It  continues  to  furnish  library 
facilities  to  one  of  the  largest  schools  in  the  city,  and  to  a 
rapidly  growing  industrial  neighborhood. 

While  Mrs.  George  R.  Bacon  was  chairman  of  the  library 
committee  of  the  State  Federation  of  Woman's  clubs  the 
library  served  as  the  distributing  center  for  scores  of  little 
libraries  that  were  sent  out  to  the  small  villages. 

When  the  state  took  over  the  extension  work  Mrs.  Bacon 
was  made  a  member  of  the  commission,  and  the  distribution 
of  books  continued  to  be  directed  from  the  Decatur  library 
by  Miss  Eugenia  Allin,  secretary,  until  the  extension  col- 
lection was  removed  to  Springfield. 

Co-operation  with  the  public  schools,  the  James  Millikin 
university  and  study  organizations  always  has  characterized 
the  library.  As  far  as  its  means  permit  it  is  glad  to  secure 
books  needed,  and  always  invites  suggestions  from  groups 
and  individuals. 


Some  Accomplishments 

To  a  greater  extent  perhaps  than  most  libraries,  the 
Decatur  Public  Library  has  lent  itself  to  artistic,  civic  and 
patriotic  enterprises.  For  many  years  it  was  the  exhibition 
center  for  the  Municipal  Art  League.  It  has  held  a  loan 
exhibit  of  old  books  which  brought  out  scores  of  ancient 
volumes,  some  of  them  precious.  Of  its  many  war  accom- 
plishments, one  undertaking 
stands  out.  It  assisted  a  county 
committee  in  collecting  and  pre- 
serving the  war  records  of  Ma- 
con county.  One  feature  of  this 
collection  housed  in  the  Library, 
is  a  set  of  scrap  books,  made  up 
of  clippings  from  the  Decatur 
papers,  of  stories  relating  to  lo- 

DECAm"x  ,eBULIILCW"aRARY  cal  war  activities. 

The  number  of  card  holders 
and  the  number  of  books  circulated  are  not  in  themselves 
conclusive  indices  of  a  library's  worth  to  its  community. 
The  Public  Library  has  never  gone  on  the  mere  quantitative 
theory. 

Much  of  its  most  useful  work  is  of  such  a  character  that 
it  cannot  be  measured  or  checked.  The  Library  answers 
hard  questions,  furnishes  information  wanted  quickly  by 
telephone,  helps  club  members  find  material  for  papers,  and 
assists  thousands  of  students  through  its  reference  depart- 
ment. 

It  organizes  reading  clubs,  holds  story  hours,  recom- 
mends reading  matter  that  has  a  periodic  or  seasonable  in- 
terest and  strives  in  every  way  to  be  helpful  and  human. 

The  needs  of  gardeners,  radio  amateurs,  and  boy  chem- 
ists have  to  be  its  concern.  Books  bearing  upon  industries 
represented  in  Decatur  form  a  nucleus  of  a  technical  library. 


Alice  G.  Evans 

They  have  been  pleasant  years,  the  first  half  hundred. 
No  scandal  or  unpleasantness  has  ever  marred  the  Library. 
Politics  never  has  entered  in  to  demand  appointments  or 
dictate  policies.  On  the  other  hand  there  has  been  from 
the  city  council  the  finest  co-operation  and  the  most  gener- 
ous financial  support.  Boards  have  been  content  to  help 
and  encourage,  and  to  leave  all  administrative  matters  to 
the  librarian. 

In  the  "fifty  folios  bound  and  set  by  Time,  the  great 
transcriber,"  the  name  of  Mrs.  Evans  is  written  large. 
While  she  is  known  and  admired  in  library  circles  through- 
out the  country,  she  has  received  her  most  prized  honors 
from  the  community  of  which  she  has  been  so  vital  a  part. 
Her  cheerfulness,  her  fine  enthusiasms  and  personal  charm 
have  been  reflected  in  the  library  atmosphere.  She  has  been 
more  than  an  efficient  executive ;  she  has  been  a  counselor 
and  friend  to  her  staff  and  to  patrons. 

The  year's  leave  of  absence  which  the  board  voted  her 
as  the  Library's  anniversary  gift,  and  which  came  wholly 
unexpectedly,  is  not  a  reward  but  a  tribute  to  a  beautiful 
gentlewoman.  Decatur  will  unite  in  wishing  for  her  a 
happy  holiday. 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 
027  22D291E  C001 

1875-1925.  AUGUST  TENTH;  FIFTIETH  ANNIVE 


3  0112 


025273803 


